Policy responses and statements

Name of organisation:: The Scottish Government: Directorate of Health Workforce and Performance
Name of policy document:: Developing proposals for new HEAT Targets for 2013-14
Deadline for response:: 17 August 2012

Background: The Scottish Government is seeking views on the development of the 2013/14 HEAT targets for NHSScotland and the contribution they make to the wider outcomes we are all pursuing. The Government is keen to build on last year's wider engagement on HEAT target development so that HEAT targets maximise their contribution.

It is essential that we have a shared agreement on these key areas for HEAT target setting, and an understanding of how these targets will contribute to the Quality Outcomes. After considering the alignment of the HEAT targets which are still to be delivered in 2013/14 or later (see annex), the Scottish Government will be working with stakeholders to develop proposals for new HEAT targets on:

Staff Engagement – crucial to delivering high quality patient care
Hospital Boarders –improve patient experience and outcomes
AHP Waiting Times – equitable access across Scotland
Dementia Support – improve post diagnoses support
IVF Waiting Times – equitable access across Scotland
Healthcare Associated Infection – further reductions in HAI
Telehealthcare – increase levels of independent living
Falls Prevention - reduce harm
Pressure Ulcers – support a zero tolerance for pressure injury
Surgical Checklist – reduce avoidable injury/harm from healthcare received
Discharge Letters – improve continuity of care
Adult Support & Protection – increase early identification of people at risk of harm

Given the lead time for developing proposals and any new measurement systems, the Government would not expect all the proposals to make it in to the HEAT set for 2013/14.

The Government is interested in receiving views on the proposed targets for development together with the existing HEAT targets and standards that are due for delivery in 2013/14 onwards and how these targets support the wider outcomes we are all pursuing. The Government would again this year particularly welcome responses from colleagues in COSLA and SOLACE on the development of HEAT targets for 2013/14 in support of whole-system performance, particularly in light of Ministers proposals for integration of adult health and social care and the Scottish Government and COSLA joint review of community planning and SOAs. Responses by 17 August would be welcome.

The Annex sets out further detail on the early stages of the proposals for new HEAT targets. It also includes advice on who to contact to find out more about the development work. The Government plans to write again in the autumn to seek views on the final set of proposals for 2013/14 targets.

Download Developing proposals for new HEAT Targets for 2013-14 RESPONSE as a .pdf

Copies of this response are available from:

Lesley Lockhart,
Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh,
9 Queen Street,
Edinburgh,
EH2 1JQ.

Tel: 0131 225 7324 ext 608
Fax: 0131 220 3939

[8 June 2012]